Relative stunned by death, but admits she 'suspected it since last night'

Sunday

Oct 14, 2012 at 3:15 AMOct 14, 2012 at 10:55 AM

By SAMANTHA ALLENsallen@fosters.com

PORTSMOUTH — On her way to Elizabeth “Lizzi” Marriott's hometown of Westborough, Mass., Saturday morning, relative Rebecca Tyning was alerted moments before local press that the state attorney general was investigating her niece's missing person case as a death.

“I've already suspected it since last night,” she told Foster's. “I'm in a real surreal place in my emotional protection bubble.”

Tyning, of Beverly, Mass., camped out with reporters late Friday night near Prescott Park, after hearing Portsmouth police were scanning Peirce Island for the discovery of Marriott's body. As of Saturday evening, officials reported they still had not located Marriott's remains.

Tyning said at that time she was barely holding it together for her sister, Marriott's mother, and said she would not phone home until she knew for sure what was happening.

By Saturday afternoon though, Tyning was informed a man had been arrested and charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of the 19-year-old University of New Hampshire sophomore. She said the news was unconscionable, for her and her family.

Tyning said she had always worried for her niece, whom she communicated with frequently through Facebook, and whom she considered like her own daughter.

“We're not going to have any of our own,” she said. “This is it for us.”

Tyning recalled Marriott's dream of becoming a marine biologist, her major at UNH, adding Lizzi was a bright young woman who interned with the New England Aquarium and even studied the field as a student in high school.

“I always worried about her because she's a pretty girl and she's out on her own, for the first time,” Tyning said. “But still in your worst nightmares, you never thought (this) would happen to you.”

With the local New Hampshire and Massachusetts communities notified of Marriott's disappearance since Tuesday, Oct. 9, residents, friends and families pooled their resources to find Lizzi. A hashtag was created on Twitter (#findlizzi and #findlizzie) and the family purchased three web domains — FindLizzie.com, FindLizzy.com and FindLizzi.com. They also offered a $10,000 reward for any information that would result in the return of their daughter.

While they continue to wait, friends and family said they only had fond memories to share of the beloved teenager.

A graduate of Westborough High School in 2011 with Marriott, said she was amazed how many people came together to help the family. The graduate said she and her friends would never forget Marriott, who was crowned high school prom queen.

“You didn't have to know her personally to know that she was a sweet, genuine girl,” she said. “Our entire community has come together, even though we aren't all back at home to support her family and mourn over this tragic loss.”

A marine biologist affiliated with the New England Aquarium told Foster's though he only knew her in a professional context, he considered Marriott's death a great loss to the research field. He asked his name not be revealed.

“It's just sad to lose one of the family, so to speak,” he wrote in an email.

A coworker of Marriott's at the local Target in Greenland, who also requested anonymity, said everyone considered Marriott a pleasure to work with.

“Lizzi was a sweet, kind and happy girl,” she said. “She was a model employee and always greeted everyone with a smile and a 'Howdy!' She was a kind person and a pleasure to be around. She will be missed.”

At UNH, students expressed their shock at the case, learning police had arrested 29-year-old Dover resident Seth Mazzaglia in connection with the alleged murder. Mazzaglia graduated from UNH in 2006 with a bachelor of arts degree in theater.

Andrea Capodioupo, 22, a senior at UNH originally from Beverly, Mass., she said was saddened to learn of Marriott's death but noted she has never felt unsafe on campus. Assistant Attorney General James C. Vara stressed authorities do not believe university students are in danger at this time, during a Saturday afternoon press conference.

UNH senior Libby Hayward, 23, originally from Cape Cod, accompanied Capodioupo back from the school's Homecoming celebration, held Saturday. She was dismayed by the news of a fellow student's death.

“It's a terrible thing,” she said.

The Marriott Family Fund has been set up through Central One Credit Union, for the family to receive donations. A check may be mailed to 714 Main St. Shrewsbury, Mass., 01545, to the provided fund name. For more information, visit The “Help Find Lizzi Marriott” Facebook page or call Robbi Rubenstein at 508-612-8838.

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